Sat Dec 13 12:30:00 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a news article summarizing Lionel Messi’s recent visit to India, with a focus on his Hyderabad appearance:
Messi Charms Hyderabad After Chaotic Kolkata Stop, Plays Exhibition Match with Telangana CM
Hyderabad, India – Argentinian football legend Lionel Messi captivated fans in Hyderabad on Saturday, participating in an exhibition match alongside Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, after a tumultuous reception in Kolkata.
The “Revanth Reddy-9 vs. Messi All-Stars” exhibition match took place at the Rajiv Gandhi Stadium, where Messi spent approximately an hour showcasing his skills and engaging with the enthusiastic crowd. The event followed a musical performance and laser show featuring images of Messi and Rahul Gandhi.
Messi addressed the crowd, expressing his happiness to be in Hyderabad and thanking them for their warm reception. He also participated in a “GOAT Cup Penalty Shootout” alongside Inter Miami teammates Luis Suarez and Rodrigo De Paul, and held a football clinic for children. The superstar took time to kick balls into the crowd and interact with other players and gave trophies and posed for photos with players who were a part of the exhibiton match.
The Hyderabad event was a stark contrast to Messi’s experience in Kolkata earlier in the day, which was marred by poor crowd control and security breaches at the Salt Lake Stadium. Frustrated fans, many of whom had paid significant sums for tickets, were unable to get a clear view of the football icon, leading to protests and clashes with security. Some fans have paid ₹4,000 to ₹12,000 for tickets and some have even paid ₹20,000 in black market for tickets to watch Messi.
Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy welcomed Messi at the Taj Falaknuma Palace upon his arrival in Hyderabad. He also played in the exhibition match in full football kit. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi joined the players and the Chief Minister at the award ceremony, and was present in the audience as well. Messi presented the “GOAT Cup” to the winning team of the 7-a-side exhibition match, “Singareni RR 9,” which represented Chief Minister Reddy.
After Hyderabad, Messi is scheduled to travel to Mumbai as part of his “GOAT Tour 2025”, and is expected to conclude his Indian tour with a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in New Delhi.
First Piper 